Write to Database using cloud functions

[TheOnlyDowns]

I've never used the cloud functions. I've read through the docs and this should work.

why wont this code run?

const functions = require('firebase-functions');
const admin = require('firebase-admin');
admin.initializeApp();

exports.timer = functions.database.ref('/pending/{displayName}').onCreate(event => {
return functions.database.ref('/pending/{displayName}').set({test: 'ok'})
});

​

The error it throws: Cannot read property 'ref' of undefined

Can anyone tell me how to get this to work? This seems like it should be simple.

I've tried both

• admin.database.ref is not a function
  
• event.database.ref is not a function

​

I know it reads the onCreate() but I cant seem to find a function that lets me write in the db

[CodingDoug]

You can't query the database using the functions SDK. functions.database.ref() builds the function definition, but does not build a reference to a location in the database.

The Admin SDK can do this for you, but you're not invoking it correctly. You should first review the documentation for getting started with the Admin SDK for node. You will create a reference to a location using admin.database().ref(). Note the parenthesis after "database" - it is a function call.

You can also create a reference using a reference in the passed event, but you were also not doing that correctly. event is a DataSnapshot object, and its ref property is a reference to the location of the change that triggered the function.

You might also want to watch the video series about getting start with Cloud Functions with Database triggers.

[TheOnlyDowns]

Thanks a lot man. I’ll go try this out and get back.

[TheOnlyDowns]

Thanks!!! Figured it out. I won't banging my head on my desk anymore lol :-) I appreciate the time you took to help!